Feasibility Pilot of Accelerated Stimulation With TMS for Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (FAST-MDD)

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · Apr 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The FAST-MDD trial is studying a new way to deliver a treatment called Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS) for people with Major Depressive Disorder. This study aims to see if aTMS, which is quicker than the traditional method, is acceptable and effective for patients. In the usual treatment, patients receive TMS once a day for about 7 weeks, which can be time-consuming and disruptive to their daily lives. The trial will gather feedback from healthcare staff and ask patients about their experiences while they wait for treatment, eventually offering the aTMS treatment to those on a waitlist at the St. Louis Park clinic.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to be between 18 and 70 years old, currently being treated at the St. Louis Park Clinic, diagnosed with unipolar depression, and have tried at least one antidepressant. They also need to be able to keep their medication stable during the study. However, those who have had TMS recently, have bipolar depression, or a history of severe mental health issues are not eligible. Participants can expect to provide feedback and complete questionnaires about their experiences, as well as receive the new treatment if they qualify. This study is still in the early stages and not yet recruiting participants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age between 18 and 70 years old
• • Current patient of SLP Clinic
• • Diagnosis of Unipolar Depression
• • Have tried at least 1 antidepressant
• • Ability to maintain stable medication regimen for duration of study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Has received TMS in the last 3 months
• • Diagnosis of Bipolar Depression
• • Any lifetime psychosis or mania
• • Recent suicide attempt within 90 days of study visit
• • Use of Benzodiazepines in past 4 weeks
• • Presence of any contraindication to TMS assessed by the TMS Adult Safety Screen including individual history of uncontrolled seizures
• • Current or history of alcohol abuse